Kansas GOP leaders insist rift on taxes isn’t ugly

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican leaders in the Kansas Legislature are frustrated with an ongoing impasse over tax issues but insist the GOP rift isn’t serious.

Senate GOP leaders said Friday that it’s difficult to agree on the details of cutting income taxes and adjusting the state sales tax so that the state retains enough revenue to sustain its budget.

House Majority Leader Jene Vickrey of Louisburg said his chamber has a “sweet spot” on taxes.

Top Senate Republicans made their comments after the House voted 109-5 against a plan the Senate approved Thursday evening. It would lower the sales tax on groceries to 4.95 percent in January but leave the tax at 6.3 percent on all other items.